Congress established SEC in 1934 to enforce the Securities Act of 1933 and the Exchange Act. SEC's mission is to protect investors; maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets; and facilitate capital formation by overseeing key participants in the securities markets, including SROs, securities broker-dealers, investment advisers, and mutual funds.

Congress established SEC in 1934 to enforce the Securities Act of 1933 and the Exchange Act. SEC's mission is to protect investors; maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets; and facilitate capital formation by overseeing key participants in the securities markets, including SROs, securities broker-dealers, investment advisers, and mutual funds.